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committed to ensuring that each child with a special educational need has an appropriate school place, in line with their Constitutional right and Programme for Government commitments; notes that the Government will: — progress work on the development of a more inclusive education system for children with special education … full potential; — ensure that available capacity across schools is maximised to make provision for children with special education needs; and — prioritise school building projects delivering additional capacity for special classes and at special schools; further notes: — the continued significant state investment of €2.9 billion this year for supporting

thank them for raising the issue. We are fully committed to delivering a new school building for Gaelcholáiste Reachrann. This large-scale capital project involves the provision of a new 600-pupil school and ancillary accommodation. The project was originally authorised to proceed to tender upon completion … planning was received in December 2023 with a number of conditions attached. As a result, decarbonisation measures were included in a revised project scope, in line with climate action objectives. The design team has finalised the pre-tender checks and documents in line with revised technical guidance documentation

There is certainly an issue in regard to employee share options and so forth. Enterprise Ireland manages a leadership for growth programme for companies. In the past, they went to Harvard. I met representatives of 35 companies in New York recently. When … work with our companies and 35 are availing of the leadership for growth programme. They are SMEs. I have met many people who have been on that programme over the years and they all say it had a beneficial impact on their mindset, their ambitions as CEOs

billion for current spending. Within that is €2.9 billion to deliver 10,200 new-build social homes and continue the acquisitions programme. Homelessness services rise to €563.5 million, up sharply from last year. Water infrastructure, essential to new housing, gets a 29% increase for Uisce Éireann … additional staff, between 220 to 265 extra acute beds, more than 1.7 million home-support hours, and capital of €1.56 billion to progress projects such as the National Maternity Hospital, ambulance bases and the digitisation of health records. Education and youth funding totals €13.1 billion which

million to help tackle the scourge of this disease. Based on our latest modeling, this will provide a fully funded revamped TB programme. It will focus on tackling the disease levels through the implementation of the measures laid out in the new TB action plan, which I launched … confident it will help drive down the incidence of bovine TB levels for future years. This significant additional investment in the programme will support a wide range of impactful measures including additional targeted testing, additional resources for the wildlife programme, supporting non-farm biosecurity through direct support

centred health system. The agreement also introduces new fees and allowances for participating pharmacies, supports training and development of pharmacy teams, and a programme of work aimed at reducing the community pharmacy administrative burden. Fundamentally, this is a forward-looking agreement that will make it easier for people … National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics carried out an evidence assessment which indicated that the evidence was, at best, equivocal to support such a programme. Significant expenditure is therefore being incurred where it was never intended by the State. It has been agreed to introduce improved controls in this regard

Mallow Athletic Club for an athletics track at Carhookeal in Mallow. Speaking last year, the Minister of State, Deputy Thomas Byrne, said the project would be developed in the short term on a use it or lose it basis. One year later, nothing has progressed. This … both the athletics clubs. I commend the local authority and both athletics clubs on what they have done to try to progress this project. It will be a significant one for the area and is a development so badly needed in what is a rundown centre

opportunity to discuss the positive impact of Government investment in sport, particularly in Louth. Nobody can dispute the value of sports capital programmes, the large-scale sports infrastructure fund and the major events programme. They have transformed opportunities and outlooks across the country. In 2024, nearly €7 million … also have to mention the fact Louth has been waiting decades for a county stadium. The Minister of State will know this project very well. This project is not simply a GAA ground; it is a regional infrastructure that will serve schools, clubs and communities right across

enjoyed our engagement with her and I really appreciate that. Deputy McAuliffe raised the issue of Beaumont Hospital. There are four major projects under way there. The national development plan has allocated very substantial funding to the Department of Health and the HSE for the realisation of those … projects. The key is to keep the pressure on to get them through the various stages. Health capital tends to be slow and health projects tend to be slow moving. We need to accelerate some of these projects and get them delivered. They are well under

interest of transparency, it is important when an environmental impact assessment derogation is granted that the public receive early notice of the particular project as well as access to key information and that there be some mechanism for observations to be made. A concern I have is that … general could leave the process open to abuse. There has already been a fairly sizeable increase in the number of exempted projects across Europe in the past number of years. Between 2014 and 2017, the European Commission was notified of only three, whereas between

Funding announcements are very welcome but, obviously, what will matter is the delivery of projects and it is clear there are serious deficits in our transport infrastructure across the State. We have yet to see the detail of the plan and what projects are going to be funded … delivered. As Deputy Daly pointed out, the only project specifically mentioned in the NDP was MetroLink. As I have mentioned to the Minister many times, the west and north west is one of the most underdeveloped regions in Europe when it comes to infrastructure, particularly in respect

country to ensure a fairer and more cohesive society. Our determination to reduce child poverty is reflected in the delivery of our programme for Government commitments to date and the establishment of the child poverty and well-being programme office in the Department of the Taoiseach, the setting … target, unprecedented increases in core social welfare rates and targeted payments that support families and children most in need and investment in key programmes and initiatives, such as the hot school meals and free schoolbooks programme. We are fully aware of the work that remains to be done

should be free from a future blighted by the harms of tobacco. The data on our adolescents is more worrying. The European Schools Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs survey assesses the health behaviours of our 15- and 16-year-olds. The 2024 survey showed that … likely reduce the number. However, we must be realistic. There are other ways that our children can access these products. The European schools project on alcohol and drugs, dating from 2024, demonstrates this. Some 32% of our 15- and 16-year-olds have tried vapes. Some 16% stated

pupils by 2030 while promoting sustainable transport and improving integration with the wider public transport network. That work has already started through pilot programmes. A key outcome is to reduce the number of individual car journeys to school, supporting local communities and our national climate objectives. Achieving … appropriate way. That phased implementation approach was adopted to manage increased demand in a planned and sustainable manner. This commenced with 14 pilot projects in the 2024-25 school year, developed in partnership with the Department of Transport and Bus Éireann. These pilot projects are continuing

that following the conclusion of the process of agreeing overall departmental allocations, all Departments were requested to consider and outline our sectoral priority projects for delivery over the period to 2030. In that regard, my Department is now prioritising within the revised NDP allocations to meet its sectoral … targets and obligations. I have two things to tell the Deputy. On budget day, we will be in a position to publish the projects we intend to deliver on in 2026 so I will have more details that are specific to the Deputy's question then. Also, this

provide for additional single living-in accommodation for Defence Forces personnel. My officials are subsequently engaged with the Defence Forces to have these projects included in the existing infrastructure development plan and have discussed the prioritisation of same. It is intended to begin the procurement phase for this … project in 2026. These developments will dovetail with an extensive wider programme of Defence Forces accommodation procurement, especially investment in accommodation for serving personnel. I advise the Deputy that since the launch of the infrastructure development plan in January 2020 a lot of accommodation projects have been completed

thank the Deputy for raising this important matter. I am taking this matter on behalf of the Minister of State, Deputy Dooley. The programme for Government commits to securing a thriving and resilient seafood sector. The appointment of a Minister of State with responsibility across fisheries … ability of the sector to adjust to a changing environment when supported with strategic investment, both public and private. Through the seafood development programme, the Government is delivering essential support to strengthen competitiveness, sustainability and employment across the sector. This programme is cofunded by the Government

school was told that work would resume but no details were given. Two years have passed. I am aware that funding for this project is not provided by the Department of Education, but it needs to be progressed. The funding was provided by the immigrant investor programme handled … Department of Justice. This must be sorted out. That programme is now closed, but the Saplings school is only half built. The project needs to be got up and running again. The application was made in the pre-Covid years, so the building costs have escalated massively. That

Deputy very much for raising this issue. The Government places great value on culture and the arts sector. As outlined in the programme for Government, we recognise that they are essential to a well-rounded society, providing opportunities for education, expression and community engagement. Deputy Byrne gave … excellence in the standard of practice and level of ambition. The Arts Council invests funding in a range of art forms and developmental projects, including Creative Schools, Creative Places, Creative Europe and Culture Night. As we all know, Culture Night takes place this Friday. One example of what

doing it for sport but we need to put the arts on a level playing field. There is a very clear commitment in programme for Government to the arts capital programme but the maximum sum in the scheme E capital programme for an arts centre … which is minimal for a capital programme when we compare it with the sports capital programme that I also strongly support. I was at a sports club this evening where incredible investment is happening, which is right, but we must do the same with arts venues around

line with the commitment in the programme for Government, my Department has prioritised an early review of the national development plan, NDP, which will be published in July. The aim of the review is to improve our infrastructure, particularly water, energy and transport. Prioritisation of these sectors … overall capital expenditure ceilings for the ten years to 2035. This will be followed by sectoral publications later this year detailing the particular programmes that will be funded from the NDP. While particular allocations are yet to be agreed, investment in water infrastructure is a key priority

Minister's point on balancing the process. We cannot become too risk averse. I fully understand that. Delivery of large-scale infrastructural projects is critical but we have seen examples of large-scale projects that were 100% over budget. It is critical we do not repeat that … concluded. That is just one example. It is critical we strike the right balance and have a robust system in place to ensure projects can be delivered in a reasonable timeframe and with proper risk assessment. I understand the challenge with large-scale projects. They go on over

very much welcome the Minister's response. I have a similar question, Question No. 32, on the commitment in the programme for Government to review the infrastructural guidelines. One of the most frustrating aspects of being a public representative is the time it takes between the concept … project to its delivery. I was a member of a local authority from 2004 to 2009, and my recollection is that public projects moved a lot quicker during that period than they do now. I welcome the Minister's response on the need to balance the necessity

thank the Deputy. The schools PV programme is funded by the Government’s climate action fund in line with our recognition that taking action on climate change is central to our social and economic development. It is assisting schools in reducing their energy costs and carbon footprint … part of the response to meeting the 2030 and 2050 climate action plan targets for the schools' sector. The schools PV programme provides eligible schools with up to 6 kW peak of roof-mounted solar photovoltaic installations on their roofs, which equates to approximately 14 solar panels

will list some other items but the list is not exhaustive. Many schools run the mini-company programme in conjunction with the student enterprise programme supported by the local enterprise offices but this programme is only offered to a limited number of students in schools. Could we offer … programme to all students on the following: the skills and steps required in setting up a business; the driver theory test; online safety and the risks and benefits of the online world; and communication, including both verbal and written skills? People who have real-world experience

Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will provide a list of all capital projects and programmes including those delivered through IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and Fáilte Ireland which have been completed on time and within budget in Louth in each

Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will provide a list of all capital projects and programmes including those delivered through IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and Fáilte Ireland which have been completed on time and within budget in Dublin West in each

Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide a list of all capital projects including social and affordable housing, water services, heritage and local authority-led projects funded under the remit of his Department which have been completed on time

Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide a list of all capital projects including social and affordable housing, water services, heritage and local authority-led projects funded under the remit of his Department which have been completed on time

Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide a list of all capital projects including social and affordable housing, water services, heritage and local authority-led projects funded under the remit of his Department which have been completed on time

Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide a list of all capital projects including social and affordable housing, water services, heritage and local authority-led projects funded under the remit of his Department which have been completed on time

Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide a list of all capital projects including fishery harbour, forestry, agri-food and other infrastructure projects delivered under the remit of his Department, and bodies under its aegis, which have been completed

Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide a list of all capital projects including fishery harbour, forestry, agri-food and other infrastructure projects delivered under the remit of his Department, and bodies under its aegis, which have been completed

Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide a list of all capital projects including fishery harbour, forestry, agri-food and other infrastructure projects delivered under the remit of his Department, and bodies under its aegis, which have been completed

Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide a list of all capital projects including fishery harbour, forestry, agri-food and other infrastructure projects delivered under the remit of his Department, and bodies under its aegis, which have been completed

Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will provide a list of all capital projects, including early years, childcare and disability infrastructure projects, delivered under the remit of her Department, and bodies under her aegis, which have been completed on time

Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will provide a list of all capital projects, including early years, childcare and disability infrastructure projects, delivered under the remit of her Department, and bodies under her aegis, which have been completed on time

Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will provide a list of all capital projects, including early years, childcare and disability infrastructure projects, delivered under the remit of her Department, and bodies under its aegis, which have been completed on time

Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will provide a list of all capital projects, including early years, childcare and disability infrastructure projects, delivered under the remit of her Department, and bodies under its aegis, which have been completed on time

Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will provide a list of all capital projects, including early years, childcare and disability infrastructure projects, delivered under the remit of her Department, and bodies under its aegis, which have been completed on time

Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide a list of all capital projects, including further and higher education campus, ETB and research infrastructure projects, delivered under the remit of his Department which have been completed on time

Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide a list of all capital projects, including further and higher education campus, ETB and research infrastructure projects, delivered under the remit of his Department which have been completed on time

Emer Currie asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide a list of all capital projects, including further and higher education campus, ETB and research infrastructure projects, delivered under the remit of his Department which have been completed on time

Barry Ward asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide a list of all capital projects, including further and higher education campus, ETB and research infrastructure projects, delivered under the remit of his Department which have been completed on time

Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will provide a list of all capital projects including those delivered under LEADER, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, CLÁR, the town and village renewal scheme, the outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme … Údarás na Gaeltachta programmes which have been completed on time and within budget in Carlow in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33506/26

Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will provide a list of all capital projects including those delivered under LEADER, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, CLÁR, the town and village renewal scheme, the outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme … Údarás na Gaeltachta programmes which have been completed on time and within budget in Louth in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33654/26

Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will provide a list of all capital projects, including those delivered under LEADER, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, CLÁR, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme … Údarás na Gaeltachta programmes which have been completed on time and within budget in Dublin West in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33678/26

Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will provide a list of all capital projects including those delivered under LEADER, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, CLÁR, the town and village renewal scheme, the outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme … Údarás na Gaeltachta programmes which have been completed on time and within budget in Dublin in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33827/26

Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will provide a list of all capital projects including those delivered under LEADER, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, CLÁR, the town and village renewal scheme, the outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme … Údarás na Gaeltachta programmes which have been completed on time and within budget in Kilkenny in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33912/26

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether any portion of funding provided under sexual and reproductive health programmes is used for services related to abortion, including post-abortion care or treatment of complications arising from abortion; if so, to provide a breakdown … programme type and recipient organisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32359/26